Athletic Garment Cup Stability via Resilient Strap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current athletic protective devices, such as jockstraps and shorts, often fail to securely hold a protective cup in place due to complex strap systems that are difficult to put on and prone to stretching, leading to potential injuries from impacts to the groin region.
Innovation Solution
An athletic garment with a main body, a pocket for the protective cup, and a resilient strap that couples the pocket to the main body, ensuring the cup remains in position through movement, eliminating the need for multiple straps and providing secure protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple straps are used to secure the protective cup, then the cup can be held in place, but the device becomes difficult to put on and the straps may stretch during regular wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The strap system is segmented into multiple independent straps that can be adjusted and positioned separately. Each strap can be independently fastened to provide modular support, allowing the user to secure the cup reliably while simplifying the overall donning process compared to a single complex strap system
Solution Approach 2:
The straps are pre-configured with fasteners and attachment points positioned to automatically align with the user's anatomy when the garment is worn. This preliminary arrangement of fastening elements allows for quick and intuitive securing of the cup without requiring complex manual manipulation during the putting-on process
2Ease of operation
If jock shorts made of stretchable fabric are used, then the garment fits tightly to the body, but the fabric does not provide enough strength to hold and support the protective cup
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines stretchable fabric for comfort with separate structural support elements (straps and fasteners) for strength. The fabric provides a comfortable tight fit while the integrated strap system with rigid fasteners delivers the necessary holding strength to secure the protective cup during physical activity
Solution Approach 2:
The garment utilizes composite construction combining stretchable fabric material with stronger support structures. The fabric provides flexibility and comfort while the integrated strap and fastener components provide the additional strength needed to hold the cup securely, creating a composite system that satisfies both comfort and strength requirements
3Reliability
If straps are attached to a pocket to hold the protective cup, then the cup can be supported, but the straps may stretch and cause the cup to move out of position
Solution Approach 1:
The strap system incorporates pre-tensioning and pre-adjustment mechanisms that compensate for expected stretching during wear. The straps are designed with adjustable fasteners that allow initial tensioning to counteract future elongation, maintaining cup position stability throughout the duration of use despite material stretching
Solution Approach 2:
The strap system allows for parameter adjustment through removable and repositionable fasteners. Users can adjust the tension and position parameters of the straps to compensate for stretching over time, maintaining optimal cup support and position stability throughout the garment's service life
4Ease of operation
If a simple strap system is used, then the device is easy to put on, but it may not provide sufficient support to prevent the cup from moving during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented into multiple independent straps rather than a single complex system. This segmentation allows each strap to be independently adjusted and fastened, providing sufficient cumulative support while maintaining simplicity in the donning process, as each strap can be secured separately without complex coordination
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The garment effectively secures the protective cup over the groin region, preventing movement and ensuring protection from impacts without the complexity and wear-related issues of traditional devices, making it easier to wear and maintain the cup's position during athletic activities.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient strap that couples the pocket to the main body, ensuring the cup remains in position through movement
Data Source
AI summary
An athletic garment generally includes a short member, a supporter, and a plurality of straps. The short member may include a front panel, rear panel, two side panels, and a waistband. The supporter is dimensioned to releasably receive an athletic protective cup. The straps are coupled to one end of the supporter and are attached to the opposing rear panel of the short member.